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Rebutia heliosa forma cristata

CACTUSPEDIA

Rebutia heliosa forma cristata

Description: The typical Rebutia heliosa
is a well known
clustering cactus
and one of the smaller rebutias species. Stems:
It is essentially a miniature plant
that
readily forms a
mound of tiny heads. The rare crested
form can also get very nice making a spectacular specimen. It
eventually forms a clump 10 to 20 cmacross.
Stem:
The crested stems are 2,5-4 cm thick.
Areoles :
Small,
brown and
elongated.
Spines:
Short ,silvery,
dense and
pectinate,covering
almost completely the small stems.
Roots:
Fleshy
tap root
Flower:
Large,
orange-red,
funnel-shaped, long -necked, 4 cm in diameter, 5 cm long.

Cultivation: Grow
very slowly. In culture R. heliosa is
not among the easiest species to grow, for this reason it is often
grafted. Plants on their own roots are sensitive to overwatering (rot
prone) and need a very good drainage, Keep drier and cool in winter.
Need full sun; Very cold resistant hardy to
-10° C or less for short periods of time.

Propagation: Grafting, since it is difficult
for cuttings to root.

.

In cultivation there are several, but quite rare,
crested clones of Rebutia heliosa. Most of them get very nice making
spectacular specimens. They eventually forms clump up to 20 cm across
(or more). With the
lace of thin appressed spines they are very distinctive and elegant plants.

The
cause of cresting: The cause of cresting is not fully explained.
Biologists disagree as to why some plants grow in this unusual form.
Some speculate that it is a genetic mutation. Others say it is the
result of a lightning strike or freeze damage. But whatever the
stimulus, the growth point of the stem has switched from a geometric
point to a line, which folds and undulates as the crest expands. Though
these crested cacti are somewhat rare (1 in 50,000 or less), cresting
occurs naturally and can be encountered in many other cactus species.